27. FELSTEAD. (E.a.)

Felstead is a large parish and village 5½ m.
W. of Braintree. The principal monuments are
the Church and Gatehouse Farm. There are 14
mediæval houses in the parish, and in two of these
the former Hall still remains open to the roof.

Ecclesiastical

c(1). Parish Church of the Holy Cross
stands on the N. side of the village. The walls
are mostly of flint-rubble, with some tile and brick,
and with stone dressings, but the south chapel
is of clunch ashlar; the roofs are covered with
tiles and lead. The West Tower was built c. 1140,
and the N.W. angle of the Nave is of the same date.
The South Arcade of the nave and the south aisle
were added c. 1180–90; and c. 1330 the North
Arcade and North Aisle and the clearstorey were
built. The Chancel and probably the South
Aisle were re-built c. 1350. In the 15th century
the North Vestry and South Porch were added,
and about the middle of the 16th century the
South Chapel was built. The church was restored
in 1877, when the outer walls of both aisles were
re-faced and an Organ Chamber was built between
the S. chapel and the S. aisle. The west tower
was restored in 1914.

The 16th-century Rich monument is noteworthy,
and the clock dated 1701 is interesting.

Architectural Description—The Chancel (42 ft.
by 19½ ft.) has a modern E. window set in a 14th-century opening with original splays, two-centred
rear-arch and moulded internal label; the opening
has been reduced in height for the modern window.
In the N. wall are two mid 14th-century windows,
considerably restored, each of two trefoiled lights
with leaf-tracery in a two-centred head with a
moulded external label. E. of these is a modern
doorway to the vestry. In the S. wall is a modern
arcade of two bays opening into the S. chapel;
and further W. is a modern arch to the organ-chamber. The 14th-century chancel-arch is two-centred and of two moulded orders with a moulded
label on the W. face; the responds are modern.

The North Vestry has, in the N. wall, two 15th-century windows; the eastern is of two cinque-foiled lights under a square head, and the western
is similar but of one light. In the W. wall are two
modern doorways.

The South Chapel (29½ ft. by 17¼ ft.), has been
much restored. In the E. wall is a modern window;
and in the S. wall is a modern window and, further
W., a modern doorway. In the W. wall is a modern
arch to the organ-chamber.

The Nave (57¾ ft., by 23½ ft.) has a N. arcade
of c. 1330 and of four bays; the arches are two-centred and of two chamfered orders; the piers
are octagonal with moulded capitals and bases,
and the chamfered responds have attached semi-octagonal shafts with moulded capitals and bases;
the piers are all partly restored and the E. respond
is largely modern. The S. arcade is of c. 1180–90
and of four bays; the arches are two-centred and
of two square orders; the E. respond is modern;
the first pier is circular and has a foliated 'water-leaf' capital with volutes at the angles and a
square moulded abacus; the chamfered base
has plain spur ornaments and a square chamfered
plinth; the second pier is octagonal and has a
capital carved with conventional foliage and
cheveron ornament, and an octagonal moulded
abacus, moulded 'hold-water' base and chamfered octagonal plinth; the third pier is circular
with a crudely foliated capital, moulded circular
abacus, moulded base and chamfered plinth, both
circular; the W. respond is semi-octagonal with a
moulded capital. The clearstorey is of the 14th
century and has, on each side, three windows
each of two lights and modern, except the splays
and two-centred, chamfered rear-arches with
moulded labels.

The North Aisle (9½ ft. wide) has three carved
grotesque gargoyles at the level of the parapet
string of the N. wall. In the N. wall are four
modern windows, and the wall, except the E. bay,
has been re-faced. In the W. wall is a 14th-century window, of one light with chamfered
jambs, two-centred head and moulded label.

The South Aisle (9½ ft. wide), has been largely
re-faced externally. In the E. wall is a modern
arch to the organ-chamber. In the S. wall are
three modern windows; between the two western
windows is the late 12th-century S. doorway,
re-set; it has a two-centred arch of three square
orders with a moulded label; the jambs have each
two side shafts with carved 'water-leaf' capitals
and square moulded abaci; the bases are much
weathered. In the W. wall is a mid 14th-century
window, partly restored and similar to those in
the N. wall of the chancel.

The West Tower (13½ ft. by 13¼ ft.) is of mid
12th-century date and of three stages divided by
plain offsets and finished with an embattled
parapet. In the S.W. angle is a turret staircase
projecting into the interior of the tower and
enclosed by a square wall at the base and by a
quadrant-shaped wall above; it is lit by original
round-headed loops in the S. and W. walls. The
original semi-circular tower-arch is of two orders,
of which the outer is roll-moulded and the inner
of brick and probably of the 16th century. The
responds have each a modern detached circular
shaft; that on the N. side has an original scalloped
capital, and the imposts are chamfered and grooved.
The N. and S. walls of the ground stage have each
a restored and deeply-splayed 12th-century window
of one round-headed light. The N. window is
now blocked and repaired externally with brick.
The original W. doorway is of three semi-circular
orders, the two outer with continuous cheveron
ornament; the jambs had each two shafts, of
which only the two inner cushion capitals remain on
modern shafts; the head is filled with a plain ashlar
tympanum. Above the doorway is a round-headed
window, much repaired, of two orders, the outer
moulded. The original doorway to the turret
staircase has a plain semi-circular arch and modern
jambs. The second stage has, in the E. wall, a
plain round-headed doorway, now opening into
the nave. In each of the N., S. and W. walls is a
plain round-headed window. The third stage
or bell-chamber has, in each wall, a modern window
of one light replacing the original two light windows
of the 12th century which had been altered in the
18th century. On the top of the tower is an
octagonal pyramid finished with an open octagonal
cupola of timber with a moulded base and cornice
and an ogee capping, probably all of c. 1700.

The South Porch was built probably in the 15th
century. It has a modern outer archway. In
both the E. and W. walls is a window of one light
and all modern, except perhaps the jambs and
splays.

The Roof of the chancel is of mid 14th-century
date, of the trussed-rafter type with richly moulded
wall-plates and three moulded tie-beams. The
roof of the nave is of similar type with moulded
wall-plates and five tie-beams; it is possibly of
the 14th century, but much restored. The high-pitched pent roof of the vestry has curved brackets
at the feet of the principals, and is of the 15th
century, much restored. The 17th- or 18th-century
roof of the south chapel is of the trussed-rafter
type, but of poor construction. The floor over the
ground-stage of the tower is probably of the 17th
century, and is of timbers framed round a central
bell-way and supported on posts in the angles
of the tower with curved struts. The roof of
the south porch has a few old rafters, re-used.

Fittings—Bells: eight and clock-bell; clock-bell
by Stephen Tonne, 1546, bell-frame, old. Brasses
and Indent. Brasses: In chancel—(1) of Christine, wife of John Bray, 1420, with good half-figure of lady in veiled head-dress and high-waisted
gown; (2) of man in plate armour, with a small
part of a marginal inscription and indents of four
shields, c. 1415–20. (3) In S. chapel—to Thomas
Ryche, son of Robert Ryche, knight, 1564, inscription with indent of swaddled infant. Indent:
In chancel—of floriated cross with half-figure,
probably of priest, in head, stem resting on beast,
marginal inscription in Lombardic letters, early
14th-century, much defaced. Doors: (1) In
S. chapel doorway—modern door with old four-centred head, carved, and dated 1607. (2) In
tower stair-turret doorway—plain, with nail heads
and strap-hinge, possibly 16th-century, partly
restored. Easter Sepulchre: In chancel (Plate
p. 85)—in N. wall, probably re-fixed W. of the
original position, recess with two-centred ogee
moulded arch, having a cinque-foiled soffit,
sub-cusped in the middle cusp on each side; moulded
and richly crocketed label with elaborate finial.
The arch springs from side shafts with moulded and
carved capitals and moulded bases; flanking
them are projecting buttresses finished with gabled
and crocketed pinnacles with carved finials;
mid 14th-century, very much restored. Font:
Circular bowl with square upper member; below
the angle are attached moulded capitals, and above
them, supporting the angles of the upper member,
are carved human heads of limestone, much
weathered, probably early 14th-century, central
stem and side shafts modern. Monuments and Floor-slabs—Monuments: (1) (Plate p. 74) In S. chapel—
in S.E. angle, of [Richard, first Lord Rich, 1566,
and probably of Robert, second Lord, his son, 1581],
alabaster and marble monument, consisting of
altar-tomb and effigy, canopy and kneeling effigy
at W. end; altar-tomb standing on a high step
and divided on the N. side into bays by pilasters
of black and green veined marble (one only left
in situ); in each of the two bays is a black panel
incised with a figure subject (a) Lord Rich on
horseback with mace-bearer and other attendants;
and (b) Lord Rich's funeral hearse with effigy
or body under elaborate canopy; reclining on
left arm on the altar-tomb, an effigy of Lord Rich
in flat cap and furred robe, book in right hand,
face bearded; traces of gilding; above the tomb
a flat classical canopy supported by two black
marble Corinthian columns with strap-work pedestals, capitals and bases, all of alabaster; on front
of canopy, above the cornice, a low pediment
flanked by vases, and on W. side a similar pediment; on top, against E. wall, a figure of Fame
with trumpet; soffit of canopy coffered; wall at
back of three bays with panels carved in relief;
central bay with achievement of the arms of Rich
above a blank tablet; E. bay with figure of Lord
Rich accompanied by Fortitude and Justice;
W. bay with Lord Rich as Lord Chancellor, accompanied by Hope and Charity; on E. wall similarpanel with Lord Rich holding long Tau-cross and
sealed document, accompanied by female with
mirror and serpent (probably Truth and Wisdom);
at W. end of altar-tomb a small reading desk,
at which kneels an alabaster effigy in half plate
armour, left arm broken; at back a carved panel
of arms, etc.; the figure and panel probably
added to the original monument. In S. aisle—
on S. wall, (2) to Ann, wife of Thomas Walker,
1712, white marble tablet with lozenge of arms.
In churchyard—head-stones carved with skull
and cross-bones, and foot-stones, N. of nave, to (3)
Henry Bigg, 1687; (4) Wignoll Bigg, 1679; (5)
E.B., 1676; (6) John Bigg, 1664; the head-stone
of (5) has been removed and fragments of it lie
in the church tower. Floor-slabs: In organ-chamber, (1) to Thomas Boteler, 1688, with arms;
(2) to Thomas Woodrooffe, pastor of the parish,
1712, with arms; (3) name covered by screen, 1679;
(4) to Sidney, wife of Thomas Boteler, 1696, with
arms. Piscina: In vestry—in S. wall, with
moulded jambs and cinque-foiled arch in square
head, shelf and circular drain, damaged, 15th-century. Plate: Includes a large silver-gilt cup
of 1641, with the Rich arms; stand-paten (gilt) of
1641, with same arms; stand-paten (gilt) of 1700.
Poor Box: On bracket—on second pier of S.
arcade of nave, nail-studded and iron-bound
box with three locks and money-box, possibly
late 16th-century. Screen: Between organ-chamber and S. aisle, modern, incorporating some
old woodwork, probably 16th-century. Stoup:
In S. porch—in E. wall, recess with chamfered
jambs and four-centred head, probably stoup, still
modern, 15th-century. Miscellanea: Incorporated in modern altar-table, seven traceried panels;
similar panels, one on pulpit, and one on lectern
as book-rests, 15th-century. In second stage of
tower, clockworks, inscribed "Johannes Fordham
De Dunmow Magna Fecit Anno 1701 Nūm 126."

Condition—Good, much restored, except W.
tower and W. wall of N. aisle, which have serious
cracks and are badly decayed; tower being
repaired, 1914.

c(2). Congregational Chapel, formerly a
Friends' Meeting House, stands on the W. side of
Bannister Green, about 1 mile E. of the church.
The walls are of plastered timber-framing and the
roofs are tiled. It was built probably at the end
of the 17th century, and is a plain rectangular
building with an annexe on the W. side. The
windows and doorways are all of the 18th century
or modern. The roof is plastered but two tiebeams are exposed.

Fittings—Door: In doorway of annexe—with
six moulded panels late 17th-century.

Panelling: In chapel—as dado, with moulded
styles, 17th-century.

Condition—Fairly good.

Secular

b(3). Homestead Moat, 750 yards S. by E.
of Rayne Railway Station.

c(4). Whelpstone's Farm, barn and moat,
nearly 2 m. E. of the church. The Barn is timber-framed and weather-boarded; it was built probably
in the 17th century and is of four bays with a porch
on the S.W., and an extension on the S.E.

The Moat, N.W. of the farm, has one arm
obliterated.

Condition—Of barn, good; of moat, incomplete.

c(5). Potash Farm, house and moat, ¾ m. S.E.
of the church. The House is of two storeys,
timber-framed and plastered; the roofs are tiled.
It was built probably in the 15th or early 16th
century, with a central Hall and cross-wings at
the N.E. and S.W. ends. The Hall has been divided
into two storeys, the roof of the S.W. wing altered,
and an outhouse added to the S. of it. Inside
the building the ground-floor rooms have exposed
ceiling-beams and joists.

The Moat is fragmentary.

Condition—Of house, bad, partly ruinous.

c(6). Chaffix, house, outbuilding and moat,
on the N. side of the road, 1,100 yards E.N.E. of
the church. The House is of two storeys, timber-framed and plastered; the roofs are tiled. It was
built about the middle of the 16th century on a
half H-shaped plan, with the wings extending
towards the N. The main roof is hipped at the
ends, and the original central chimney-stack has
the moulded bases of four octagonal shafts with a
modern top. At the back are two small windows
with original moulded frames, one being now
blocked. Inside the building the N.E. wing has
chamfered ceiling-beams, and on the first floor
are two king-post trusses with curved braces and
struts; in the N. part of the wing is a reconstructed king-post truss. The middle room on
the first floor has an original brick fireplace with
chamfered jambs and three-centred arch in a
square head with foliated plaster spandrels; above
it is a moulded cornice.

The Outbuilding, E. of the house, is of the 16th
century, and of two storeys, timber-framed and
plastered; the roof is tiled. Inside the building
the ground storey has a heavy chamfered ceiling-beam, and at the N. end is a staircase of solid
oak treads.

The Moat is fragmentary.

Condition—Of house and outbuilding, good.

a(7). Cottage, now two tenements, and moat,
on S. side of lane, 1½ m. N.E. of the church. The
Cottage is of two storeys, timber-framed and
plastered; the roofs are tiled. It was built late
in the 17th century. Inside the building the
ground-floor rooms have open timbered ceilings.

The Moat is of irregular form and is incomplete.

Condition—Of house, good.

a(8). Greenfield's Farm, house and moat,
150 yards N. of (7). The House is of two storeys,
timber-framed and partly plastered and partly
weather-boarded; the roofs are tiled. It was
built probably late in the 15th or early in the 16th
century, with a central block and cross-wings
at the N. and S. ends. The roof of the N. wing
has been altered. On the E. front the gable of
the S. wing has old barge-boards. The 16th-century central chimney-stack has a moulded
base and three panels, filled with a circle, a fleur-delis and a diamond in brick. Inside the building
the ground floor has open timbered ceilings. In
the upper storey of the main block is a king-post
truss with a cambered and chamfered tie-beam.

The Moat is fragmentary.

Condition—Of house, poor.

a(9). Gatehouse Farm (Plate p. 114), house,
now two tenements, and barn, 650 yards N. of
(8). The House is of two storeys, timber-framed
and weather-boarded; the roofs are tiled. It
was built late in the 14th century with a central
Hall and Solar and Buttery wings at the N. and
S. ends respectively. Probably late in the 16th
century the Hall was divided into two storeys
and the chimney-stack inserted.

The house is a complete example of late 14th-century date, and the roof-truss in the Hall is of
most unusual character.

Elevations—The wings are gabled and project
slightly on the E. front. At the back, at the S.
end of the main block, is a 16th-century doorway
with chamfered jambs and depressed four-centred
head. All the walls are covered with modern
weather-boarding.

Interior—The Hall (23 ft. by 20 ft.) is of two
bays; the floor, inserted in the 16th century, has
mostly fallen in, but the large longitudinal ceiling-beam remains. The original roof-truss has a
moulded and steeply cambered tie-beam, only
about 6 ft. above the existing floor and supported
by curved braces springing from the floor level,
and having the mouldings of the tie-beam mitred
and continued down them; immediately above
the upper ends of these braces are two octagonal
queen-posts with moulded capitals and bases,
and continued up as square posts to support the
purlins and an upper tie-beam or collar all with
curved braces; there is a small collar near the
ridge, and the purlins are supported by wavy
struts standing on the main tie-beam; the common
rafters are broken above the purlins, involving a
slight alteration of the pitch of the roof. The E.
and W. walls of the Hall have each remains of an
original window of eight lights, with mortices for
the diamond-shaped mullions. In the S. wall
is an original doorway at the back of the former
'screens'; it has chamfered jambs and a four-centred head. The roofs of the Solar and Kitchen
wings have been plastered in.

The Barn, N.E. of the house, is timber-framed
and weather-boarded; the roof is thatched. The
barn was built in the 15th century and is of six
bays with a porch on the N. side. The roof
has king-post trusses.

Condition—Of house, bad, one tenement disused; of barn, poor.

(House restored since survey.)

a(10). Grandcourts, house, about 2 m. E.N.E.
of the church, is of two storeys, timber-framed and
plastered; the roofs are tiled. The middle part
of the house was built probably late in the 16th
century on a Z-shaped plan with the E. wing
extending S., and W. wing extending N. Early
in the 17th century an L-shaped addition, with the
wings extending towards the N. and W., was
built to the W. of the W. wing. Later in the same
century a wing was added in the angle of the early
17th-century addition, and a cross-wing built
at the S. end of the original S. wing. The house
is now of most irregular form, and all the wings
and additions are gabled. The gable at the S.
end of the original W. wing has old barge-boards.
At the W. end of the house is some 17th-century
pargeting with rosettes and other designs. Inside
the building many of the rooms have exposed
ceiling-beams and joists, and some shaped wall-posts are visible. There are two original fireplaces.

Felsted, Gate House Farm

Condition—Fairly good, but much ivy on walls.

c(11). Leighs Lodge, house, barn and outbuilding, 2 m. E.S.E. of the church. The House
is of three storeys, timber-framed and plastered;
the roofs are tiled. It was built in the 16th
century on an L-shaped plan, with the wings
extending towards the W. and S. The third
storey was added to the W. wing in the 18th
century, and there are small modern additions.
Inside the building, several rooms have chamfered
ceiling-beams.

The Barn, W. of the house, is one of the largest
in the county. It is timber-framed, partly
plastered and partly weather-boarded; the roof
is covered with corrugated iron. The barn was
built in the 16th century, and is 159 ft. long
externally, and of eleven bays with an aisle and
three porches on the W. side. In the aisle are
three original windows, now blocked.

The Outbuilding, N.W. of the house, is of two
storeys, timber-framed and with a tiled roof.
It is probably of the 16th century; the ground floor
has eight open bays for carts.

Condition—Of house, etc., good, much altered.

c(12). Felstead Bury, house, 100 yards N. of
the church, is of two storeys with attics and cellar;
the walls are timber-framed and plastered and the
roofs are tiled. It was built in the 16th century
on an H-shaped plan, with the cross-wings at the
N. and S. ends. There are three 18th-century
or modern additions on the E. side. The upper
storey projects on exposed joists on the S. side
of the N. wing. Inside the building, some rooms
have exposed ceiling-beams and joists.

Condition—Good, much altered.

c(13). The Old School House (Plate p. 81),
now a parish room, on the S. side of the church-yard, is of two storeys, timber-framed and plastered; the roof is tiled. The school was founded
by the first Lord Rich in 1564 (Morant II. 420),
but the building is probably earlier. The second
bay from the W. end forms, on the ground floor, a
lych-gate to the churchyard; the two entrances
have lintels with curved brackets and the ceiling-beams are exposed; in the E. wall is an original
doorway and opening, both now blocked; both
doorway and opening have a four-centred head; in
the W. wall are two similar openings, but fitted
with original oak shutters with iron hinges (Plate
p. 80). The upper storey projects on the N. and S.
sides on plain curved brackets; the N. side has
been partly under-built. Inside the building, some
timber-framing and ceiling-beams are exposed.
The old School Room occupies four bays of the
first floor, and has three original king-post trusses;
the cambered and chamfered tie-beams have
curved braces forming four-centred arches; the
rebated king-posts have curved four-way struts.

Condition—Good.

c(14). House (Plate p. 81), formerly the Schoolmaster's House, adjoining (13) on the E., is of two
storeys, timber-framed and plastered; the roofs
are tiled. It was built probably c. 1500 and has a
modern addition at the E. end. The upper storey
projects on plain brackets on the N. and S. sides.
Inside the building, the ceiling-beams are exposed
in the ground storey, and on the first floor are
heavy tie-beams with curved braces. One king-post truss is visible in the roof.

Condition—Fairly good.

c(15). Boote's House (Plates pp. 80, 81), now
three tenements, at the corner of the Dunmow and
Chelmsford Roads, 50 yards S.E. of the church,
is of two storeys with attics. The walls are timber-framed and plastered and the roofs are tiled. It
was built c. 1596 on a modified H-shaped plan with
the cross-wings at the N. and S. ends. The N.
wing was extended towards the E. in the 17th
century; there are small modern additions on the
E. and W. sides, and at the S. end.

The house has interesting carved woodwork
of the period.

The upper storey of the N. wing projects on the
N. side and at the E. end; on the N. side it has a
moulded bressumer carved with rosettes and
foliated dragons and rests on carved foliated
brackets; on the W. front the bressumer has the
carved inscription—"George Boote made this
house 1596"; supporting the angle of the overhang is carved a nude female figure (Plate p. 80)
with cloven hoofs and in a crouching position;
at the S. W. angle is a foliated bracket; the gable
at the W. end of the wing projects and has a foliated
bressumer with three moulded pendants. In the
angle between the main block and the N. wing is
a small projection with a moulded eaves-cornice.
The upper storey of the S. wing projects at the
W. end, and under it are two original windows
with moulded frames and now blocked.

Interior—The ground-floor rooms have heavy
exposed ceiling-beams; those in the main block
are moulded and the joists are hollow-chamfered.
The walls of the N. room of the main block are lined
with panelling, and one panel is carved with the
name "Richard How." Three other rooms are
lined with original panelling, and in the upper
storey of the S. wing are four original windows,
now blocked. The roof of this wing has two
original queen-post trusses. The original E. gable
of the N. wing is visible in the attics and in it is
an original window with moulded mullions and
some plaster dated 1596.

Condition—Good.

Monuments (16–108).

The following monuments, unless otherwise
described, are of the 17th century and of two
storeys, timber-framed and plastered; the roofs
are tiled or thatched. Many have original chimneystacks, wide fireplaces and exposed ceiling-beams.

Condition—When not specially noted, good or
fairly good.

Main Street, S. side

c(16). The Vicarage, 40 yards E. of (15), was
originally of L-shaped plan, with the wings extending towards the E. and S. There are modern
additions at the back.

c(17). House and shop, 20 yards E. of (16), is
of two storeys, with cellar and attics. It was
built c. 1600 on an L-shaped plan, with the wings
extending towards the W. and S., and a staircase
in the angle between the wings. There are
modern additions on the S. of the W. wing and on
the E. of the house. Inside the building, on the
ground floor, the W. room has an early 18th-century
fireplace, with an enriched architrave and mantelshelf. The original staircase has turned newels
and balusters and a panelled dado. One room on
the first floor is lined with original panelling,
partly re-set.

c(18). House, now two tenements, 40 yards
E. of (17), was built late in the 16th century on a
T-shaped plan, with the cross-wing at the E. end.
In the first half of the 17th century a wing was
added E. of the cross-wing and there are small
late 17th or early 18th-century additions to this
wing and in the S.W. angle of the original house.
On the N. front the doorway has an original
panelled and nail-studded door. The original
central chimney-stack has four octagonal shafts
with moulded capitals and bases. Inside the
building the original staircase has good symmetrically turned balusters.

c(19). The Folly, house, now two tenements,
230 yards E. of (18), is of two storeys with attics.
It was built in the second half of the 16th century
on an L-shaped plan, with the wings extending
towards the E. and S. There is a modern addition
in the angle between the wings. In front the
upper storey projects at the W. end and has two
gables, and further E. are two gabled dormers,
probably original. Inside the building are two
bolection-moulded doors of c. 1700 and the central
staircase has twisted balusters, turned newel
and moulded rails of the same date. Visible
on the first floor is a cambered tie-beam on shaped
wall-posts.

c(20). House, now three tenements, 270 yards
E. of (19), was built c. 1600 on a plain rectangular
plan. Late in the 17th century it was extended
towards the W., and an addition made at the W.
end of the S. side. In front the upper storey
projects and is gabled at the E. end, and there is
another gable at the back in a corresponding
position. The original central chimney-stack has
square grouped shafts, partly re-built. Inside the
building is a fireplace with a bolection-moulded
architrave of late 17th-century date.

Condition—Poor.

c(21). House, now three tenements, E. of (20),
is of L-shaped plan, with the wings extending
towards the W. and S. Late in the 17th or early
in the 18th century the S. wing was extended,
and there are small modern additions at the back.
At the E. end of the front is a gable. The original
central chimney-stack has grouped diagonal shafts.

Condition—Bad.

N. side

c(22). Garnetts, house, 650 yards E. of the church
and N. of (20), is of two storeys with attics. It
was built probably in the 16th century on an L-shaped plan, with the wings extending towards
the W. and N., and a staircase-wing at the back
of the main block. There are modern additions,
including a porch in front, at the back, and at
both ends. The main block is roofed at two levels,
and in front the upper storey projects, also at two
levels, the W. part in each case being the higher of
the two. Inside the building the W. room on
the ground floor has an original moulded ceiling-beam, and on the first floor is an original panelled
door.

c(23). House, four tenements, standing back from
the road, and 300 yards E. of the church. It
was built early in the 16th century with a central
Hall and Solar and Buttery wings at the E. and W.
ends respectively. The roof of the W. wing now
continues that of the Hall, and there are small
17th-century additions on the N. and E. In
front the upper storey of the E. wing projects and
is gabled. Inside the building the former Hall
has richly moulded ceiling-beams and joists, and
in the W. wall of the former 'screens' is an original
doorway with a four-centred head and now blocked.
The roof of the E. wing has an original king-post
truss, and on the first floor of the main block a
heavy cambered tie-beam is visible.

Condition—Bad.

c(24). Table, etc., at Rich's Almshouses, 50
yards W. of (23). The buildings are modern,
but the Communion table in the chapel is of late
16th-century date with hinged flaps and a base
made up of old panelled framing.

c(25). The Bury Cottage, N.E. of (12), was built
in the 16th century on an L-shaped plan, with the
wings extending towards the S. and E. There is
an 18th-century addition between the wings.
Inside the building, on the ground floor, are heavy
shaped wall-posts.

c(26). Barn at the Bury Farm, 80 yards W. of
(25), is weather-boarded. It was built in the 16th
century and is of ten bays with aisles and two
porches on the S. side; the roof is of the queenpost type.

The Little Dunmow Road, S. side

c(27). House, 120 yards S.W. of the church, is
of two storeys with cellar and attics. It was
built about the middle of the 16th century on an
H-shaped plan, with the cross-wings at the E.
and W. ends. There are modern additions at
the back, and the front has been re-faced with
brick and rendered in cement. At the back of
the E. wing are two gables.

c(28). House, formerly the Bell Inn, and now
two tenements, 70 yards E. of (27), is of two storeys
with attics. There are modern additions at the
back.

c(29). Argyle House, 30 yards E. of (28), was
built about the middle of the 16th century
on a half H-shaped plan, with the wings extending
towards the W. Adjoining it on the S. is a late
17th-century cottage, which now forms part of
the house. There are small modern additions
on the W. and S. At each end of the E. front is a
gable.

The Chelmsford Road, W. side

c(30). The Swan Inn, at the corner of the Little
Dunmow Road, 50 yards E. of (29), is of two
storeys with cellars. It was built in the 16th
century, probably on an L-shaped plan, with the
wings extending towards the N. and W. Later
in the same century the W. wing was extended,
and another wing added, making the plan half-H-shaped. There is a 17th-century addition at the
S. end of the main block. There are two gables
at the S. end of the E. front, and the upper storey
of the 17th-century addition projects. The upper
storey of the N. wing originally projected at the
N. end, but has been under-built. Inside the
building, above a fireplace in the S.W. wing, is an
original moulded lintel, possibly not in situ.

c(31). House, now two tenements, S. of (30),
is of two storeys with cellar and attics. It was
originally of L-shaped plan, with the wings extending towards the N. and E., but late in the 17th
century an addition was made in the angle between
the wings, making the plan rectangular. The
original central chimney-stack has grouped diagonal
shafts with an ornamental capping. Inside the
building the N.E. room on the ground floor is
lined with early 18th-century panelling.

c(32). Felstead House, 50 yards S. of (31), has a
roof partly covered with slate. The front block
was built probably in the 15th century, and in the
17th century a wing was added at the N. end at the
back. In the 18th century the front wall was
raised, and there are 18th-century or modern
additions at the back. Inside the building the
roof of the front block has an original central
purlin and a rough king-post with one curved
strut.

E. side

c(33). Felstead Place, house, 200 yards S.S.E.
of the church, is of two storeys with cellars and
attics. It was originally of L-shaped plan, with
the wings extending towards the S. and E. The
Kitchen block is also of the 17th century, and
perhaps formed a detached building S.E. of the
E. wing. The house was remodelled c. 1720,
when the two blocks were joined up and the eaves-cornice added to the main block. There is a
small modern addition on the N.E. Inside the
building is a little original panelling re-used, and
one room has an original moulded ceiling-beam.
In an alcove, S. of the present hall, is a moulded
and dentilled fascia, originally external and
possibly in situ. In the cellar is a circular well of
brick.

c(34). House, two tenements and shop, with
outbuilding, 100 yards N. of (33).

The Outbuilding, formerly a cottage, stands E.
of the house.

c(35). Cottage, now private house, in a lane
750 yards S.E. of the church, with modern additions
on the N. and E. Inside the building, in a passage
at the back, is a chamfered post and half a two-centred arch, probably of a doorway.

c(36). Jolly Boys, house, 130 yards S.E. of (35),
with 18th-century and modern additions on the
N.E. side. The S.W. front has two windows
with solid frames, possibly original.

c(37). House, range of three tenements, at
Cobler's Green, 1,450 yards S.E. of the church.

Condition—Poor.

c(38). Cottage, 250 yards E.S.E. of (37), on the
N. side of the road. The original central chimney-stack has two attached diagonal shafts.

Condition—Poor.

c(39). Causeway End, house and shop, on the
W. side of the road, 1,100 yards S. of the church,
was built in the 15th or early in the 16th century,
with a central Hall and cross-wings at the N. and
S. ends. The Hall has been divided into two storeys
and a large gable built on to it in front; there
is a modern addition at the back. Inside the
building the fireplace of the former Hall has
an original moulded lintel. On the first floor is a
17th-century panelled door. The roof of the
N. wing has an original king-post truss.

c(40). Causeway End Farm, house, on the E.
side of the road, 100 yards S.E. of (39), was built
late in the 16th century on an L-shaped plan,
with the wings extending towards the E. and S.
There are modern additions on the S. of the E.
wing. The upper storey projects on curved
brackets at the S. end of the S. wing. Inside the
building the room on the ground floor of the S.
wing has shaped wall-posts and an original fireplace of brick with a four-centred arch. In the
upper storey of this wing two cambered and
chamfered tie-beams are exposed.

c(41). Glandfields Farm, house, on the W. side
of the road, about ¾ m. S. by E. of the church, was
built probably in the 15th century with a central
Hall and cross-wings at the N. and S. ends. The
Hall was divided into two storeys and a gable was
added in front, probably in the 17th century,
and there are small modern additions on the W.
and N. The upper storey projects at the E. ends
of the cross-wings. The early 17th-century central
chimney-stack has three octagonal shafts.

c(42). Millbank's Farm, house, 100 yards S.S.E.
of (41), was built late in the 15th or early in the 16th
century on a half H-shaped plan, with the wings
extending towards the N. The upper storey
projects and is gabled at the E. end of the S.
front, and under it is an original foliated bracket.
At the E. end is a 16th-century chimney-stack
with a plinth, offset and two diagonal shafts
with modern tops. Inside the building the E.
room on the ground floor has a late 16th-century
moulded ceiling-beam, and in a passage at the
back is a panelled dado of the same date.

e(43). Camsix Farm, house and barn, about
1¾ m. S. of the church. The House was built
probably early in the 17th century, but has been
re-faced with modern brick, and the original plan
is indistinguishable. On the W. side is an original
chimney-stack with a plinth and two offsets.

In the garden are two 15th-century stones,
one with a quatre-foiled panel and one the base
of a gable, probably part of a chapel which is said
to have stood in an adjoining field.

The Barn, E. of the house, is weather-boarded
and of five bays with an aisle and transept.

e(44). House, now three tenements, on the W.
side of the road at Harford End, 650 yards E.S.E.
of (43). The upper storey projects and is gabled
at the S. end of the front.

c(45). Cottage, two tenements, on the road to
Leighs Priory, 1½ m. S.S.E. of the church, was built
in the 16th century on a T-shaped plan, with the
cross-wings at the W. end. There are modern
additions on the E. side. The main block is carried
through to the front and has a hipped roof. At
the N. end is an original chimney-stack with
offsets.

c(46). Cottage, on the N. side of the River Ter,
and 1½ m. S.E. of the church, with a modern
addition on the S. The eaves have a moulded
cove.

c(47). Pond Park Farm, house, 380 yards
W.N.W. of (46), is of two storeys with attics
and of L-shaped plan, with the wings extending
W. and N. Probably late in the 17th century
the N. wing was extended, and there are modern
additions on the N. and E. Inside the building,
is one door made up of original panelling, and in
the N. wing is a re-used truss with a cambered
tie-beam and the mortice for a king-post.

Cock Green

c(48). Cottage, two tenements, 180 yards N.W.
of (47).

c(49). Taylor's Farm, cottage, 50 yards N. of
(48), with a modern addition at the N. end.

c(50). Cottage, 220 yards N.E. of (49).

c(51). Cottage, 30 yards N. of (50), with modern
additions on the N.W. At the E. end of the S.
front is a gable, and at the back is an original
window with diamond glazing.

c(52). The New Mill House, 120 yards N.E.
of (51), is of T-shaped plan, with the cross-wing
at the N. end. There are modern additions on
the W. side. Inside the building, in the cross-wing, one tie-beam with a curved brace is visible.

c(53). Cottage, 120 yards N.N.W. of (52).

Bannister Green, W. side

c(54). Cottage, 450 yards N. of (53) and 1¼ m.
E. of the church.

c(55). Oxney's Farm, house, 350 yards N.N.W.
of (54), is weather-boarded. It was built in the
15th century with a central Hall and Solar and
Buttery wings at the N. and S. ends respectively.
In the 16th or 17th century the Hall was divided
into two storeys, two gables added in front, and the
former gable of the S. wing removed. There are
modern additions at the back.

The upper storey projects at the E. end of the N.
wing on two curved brackets. At the back of
the former Hall is the original doorway to the
'screens' with double hollow-chamfered jambs and
four-centred arch in a square head. Inside the
building the former Hall has, on the W. side, a
fireplace, probably original, with a moulded oak
lintel; in the S. wall behind the former 'screens'
is an original doorway with hollow-chamfered
jambs and a four-centred head. In the inserted
floor is a moulded beam. The roof of the Hall is
of two bays with chamfered wall-plates and a truss
with a cambered tie-beam and one hollow-chamfered brace.

c(56). House, two tenements and shop, 150 yards
N.N.E. of (55), was built in the 15th century
with a central Hall and cross-wings at the N. and
S. ends. In the 16th or 17th century the Hall
was divided into two storeys, and the chimney-stack inserted. There are modern additions on
the N. and W. Inside the building the former
Hall was of two bays and has an original roof-truss with a cambered tie-beam and curved braces
forming a four-centred arch; the king-post has
gone, but the mortice remains. The N. wing has
an original king-post truss with a chamfered king-post with two-way struts, and a cambered tie-beam with one curved brace. There is a little
late 16th-century panelling re-used in this wing.
In the S. wing is a rough king-post truss.

c(58). Cottage, two tenements, 120 yards E.
of (56), with a modern addition at the back. The
original central chimney-stack has two square
shafts and three oversailing courses at the top.

c(59). The Three Horse Shoes Inn, 150 yards
S. of (58), with modern additions at the back
and S.W. end.

c(60). Wood's Farm, house, 200 yards E.N.E. of
(59), is of two storeys with attics. It was built
late in the 16th century on a T-shaped plan,
with the cross-wing at the S. end. In the 17th
century a wing was added on the S. of the cross-wing, and there are small modern additions on the
N. of the same wing. The upper storey projects
at the end of the N. wing and at the W. end of the
cross-wing, and has original foliated bressumers
and carved brackets. The original N. chimney-stack has grouped diagonal shafts. Inside the
building, one fireplace has original moulded jambs
and four-centred arch of brick. The room in the
cross-wing has moulded wall-plates. There is
one door of nail-studded battens, possibly original.

c(61). Cottage, two tenements, on N.E. side of
lane, 220 yards E.N.E. of (60), with a modern
addition at the back. The middle part of the house
has fallen in.

Conditon—Ruined.

c(62). Barn at Steven's Farm, 120 yards N.W.
of (61), is weather-boarded and of eight bays
with two porches on the E. side.

c(63). Cottage, three tenements, 200 yards W.
of (62).

c(64). Cottage, 130 yards N.W. of (63), with
modern addition at the W. end.

c(65). The Watch House, 1 m. E.N.E. of the
church, is of L-shaped plan, with the wings extending towards the N.W. and N.E. There is an
18th-century addition on the E. side of the N.E.
wing. On the N.W. side of the N.E. wing is an
original gabled dormer with dentilled bargeboards. The original central chimney-stack has
grouped diagonal shafts and pilasters. Inside the
building, in a passage on the ground floor, is a
small cupboard with an original arcaded and
enriched door; in the cupboard is a similar panel.

c(66). House, three tenements, on the S. side of
the road opposite (6) and 1,100 yards E. by N.
of the church, is of L-shaped plan, with the wings
extending towards the S.W. and N.W. In the
middle of the S.E. elevation is a gabled projection.
The original central chimney-stack has grouped
diagonal shafts and pilasters.

c(67). Old Workhouse Cottages, four tenements,
750 yards N.E. of the church.

Condition—Bad.

a(68). Brook Cottages (Plate p. 97), two tenements, ¾ m. N. of the church, with a modern addition on the N. The original central chimney-stack
has grouped diagonal shafts and pilasters.

a(69). Brook Farm, house, 250 yards N.E. of
(68), is of L-shaped plan, with the wings extending
towards the S. and W. There are 18th-century
additions on the W. side. The original central
chimney-stack has grouped diagonal shafts.

a(70). Cottage, two tenements, 120 yards N. of
(69), with a modern addition of the W. side.

a(71). House (Plate p. 128), 480 yards N. of (70),
was built late in the 16th century on a T-shaped
plan, with the cross-wing at the S. end. There
is a small 17th-century addition on the S., and
18th-century additions on the W. and N. The
cross-wing is now roofed transversely. The
original central chimney-stack has grouped diagonal
shafts. Inside the building, one room on the ground
floor has original moulded ceiling-beams.

a(72). Greenfields, house, formerly three tenements, on the S. side of Stane Street, 1½ m. N. by
E. of the church, is partly weather-boarded. Inside
the building, in the E. wall, is a tie-beam with
curved braces.

a(73). Horstages, house and barn, 500 yards
S. by W. of (72). The House has 18th-century or
modern additions on the N. side.

The Barn, S. of the house, is weather-boarded
and has a porch on the N.E. side.

a(74). Prince's Halfyards, house and barn, 200
yards S.S.E. of (73). The House was built c. 1600.
In the 17th century a wing was added on the S.W.
side, making the plan L-shaped; this wing was
extended in the 18th century. On the S.W.
elevation is an original window of three lights
with moulded mullions.

The Barn, N. of the house, is of six bays with two
porches.

a(75). Moor's Farm, house, about 1 m. N.E.
of the church, is of L-shaped plan, with the wings
extending towards the W. and N.

a(76). Richard's Farm, house, three tenements,
250 yards E. of (75), with modern additions on the
N. side.

a(77). Cottage, on the W. side of a lane, 600
yards N. by E. of (76), was built late in the 17th
or early in the 18th century.

Condition—Poor.

a(78). Sparling's Farm, house, on the E. side of
the road, 700 yards N.N.E. of (77), is partly
weather-boarded. It was built in the 15th century
with a central Hall and Solar and Buttery wings
at the W. and E. ends respectively. In the 16th
century a wing was added at the W. end, making
the plan L-shaped. The gables of the Solar wing
and the whole of the Buttery wing have been
removed, and a low building occupies the site
of the Buttery. The Hall still remains open to
the roof. The upper storey projects on the W.
side of the 16th-century wing on three curved
brackets. Inside the building, the former Hall
is of two bays and has a king-post truss with a
chamfered and cambered tie-beam with curved
braces and a chamfered king-post with two-way
struts. The ground floor of the 16th-century
wing has a moulded ceiling-beam.

a(79). Fenton's Farm, house, 1,250 yards W.
by S. of Rayne Railway Station, is of L-shaped
plan with the wings extending towards the N. and
W. The house has been largely reconstructed.

b(80). Gatewood Farm, house, 700 yards E.
of (79), is of L-shaped plan with the wings extending
towards the W. and N. The original central
chimney-stack of the N. wing has a cross-shaped
shaft set diagonally on a square base with a moulded
capping.

b(81). House, range of three tenements on the
S. side of Stane Street, 300 yards N. by W. of
(80), with a modern addition at the W. end.

b(82). Cottage, W. of the Gore in Rayne village,
and 1,050 yards E. of (81), adjoins the modern
police station on the W. The original E. chimney-stack has two grouped diagonal shafts. There is a
small gable at the E. end of the N. front.

b(83). Cottage, two tenements, 50 yards S.E. of
(82), with modern additions on the W. side.

b(84). Cottage, 40 yards S. of (83), with modern
additions on the W. and S.

b(85). Fairy Hall, house, ¼ m. S.S.W. of (84),
with 18th-century and modern additions on the
S.W. and S.E. There is a gable at the S.E. end
of the N.E. front. Inside the building is a door
of old moulded battens.

b(86). Cottage, 570 yards S. by W. of (85),
with an 18th-century addition on the N.W. and a
modern addition at the E. end.

Condition—Bad.

d(87). Blackley's Farm, house and two barns
about 1¼ m. S. by W. of Rayne Railway Station.
The House was built late in the 15th or early
in the 16th century with a central Hall and
cross-wings at the N. and S. ends. Late in
the 16th or early in the 17th century the Hall
was divided into two storeys, and subsequently
the N. wing was destroyed. There is a modern
addition on the E. side. The chimney-stack on
the E. side of the Hall is possibly original, and has
two sloping offsets and an embattled offset on the
E. face. Inside the building, the former Hall
has an original roof-truss dividing it into two bays;
the cambered tie-beam has been cut through and
the rough king-post and central purlin are papered
over.

The Barns N.E. of the house have each a porch.

Condition—Of chimney-stack and barns, bad.

d(88). Abraham's Farm, house, 200 yards W.
of (87), was built late in the 15th century with a
central Hall and Solar and Buttery wings at the
W. and E. ends respectively. Probably late in
the 16th or early in the 17th century the Hall
was divided into two storeys. Late in the 17th
century a large block was added on the N. side
and the Buttery wing was perhaps pulled down
at the same time. There is a modern addition
at the W. end. Inside the building the former
Hall was of two bays and has an original king-post
truss with a cambered tie-beam with curved
braces and a rebated king-post with four-way
struts; the wall-plates are double chamfered.
In the S. wall, at the E. end, is the original doorway
with a four-centred arch opening into the former
'screens'; it is now blocked. The upper storey
of the Solar wing has a cambered tie-beam with
curved braces forming a four-centred arch.

The walls of the front garden incorporate blocks
of clunch and limestone ashlar.

d(90). Willows Farm, house, 500 yards S. of
(89), was built c 1580, but has modern additions
on the S. side and at the E. end. The upper
storey projects on curved brackets on the N.
front. The 17th-century chimney-shaft is of
T-shaped plan with one diagonal pilaster. Inside
the building the two western rooms have original
moulded ceiling-beams. In the upper storey is a
cambered tie-beam with one curved brace.

d(91). Lower Ray Farm, two tenements and shop,
220 yards W. of (90), with a modern addition on
the W. side.

d(92). Cottage, ¼ m. S.S.E. of (91), with modern
additions on the E. and S. The door on the N.
front is original and of moulded battens.

d(93). Peeche's Farm, 200 yards S.S.E. of (92),
is of L-shaped plan with the wings extending
towards the W. and S. There is a modern wing
on the N. side.

c(94). Howlett's Farm, house, ½ m. W. of (93),
with a modern addition at the E. end. The
original central chimney-stack has grouped
diagonal shafts. Inside the building one fireplace
has an old iron rack and hook.

c(98). Hatley's Farm (Plate p. 97), house, 240
yards W.N.W. of (97), was built probably in
the 16th century. The upper storey projects
and is gabled at the W. end of the S. front.
Inside the building, on the first floor, one
curved brace is exposed.

Condition—Poor, serious settlement.

Pye's Green

c(99). Cottage, two tenements, 220 yards N.W.
of (98), with a modern addition at the E. end.

c(100). Pye's Bridge Farm, cottage, 200 yards
N. of (99), with an 18th-century or modern addition
on the N. side.

c(101). Pye's Bridge Tavern, 350 yards E. of
(100), is of L-shaped plan with the wings extending
towards the W. and S. There is a modern addition
in the angle between the wings.

c(102). Peckshall, cottage, 280 yards N. of (101),
is of one storey.

Condition—Poor.

Frenches Green

c(103). Thorpe's Farm, cottage, nearly 2 m. E.
of the church.

Condition—Thatch bad.

c(104). Cottage, two tenements, 150 yards N.W.
of (103), with a modern addition on the N. side.

c(105). Cottage, 180 yards N.N.W. of (104).

Mill Ponds at Leighs Priory

c(106). Nunn's Farm, house, two tenements
and barn, 2 m. E.S.E. of the church. The House
is of T-shaped plan with the cross-wings at the
W. end, and small modern additions on the N.
and S. sides. The original central chimney-stack
has a cross-shaped shaft, set diagonally.

The Barn, S.E. of the house, is of late 16th or
early 17th-century date, and is of eight bays
with two porches.

c(107). House, range of four tenements at
Thistley Green, 350 yards W.S.W. of (106), with
modern additions at the back.

c(108). Bridgehouse Farm, house and barn, 280
yards N.W. of (107). The House was built in
the 15th century with a central Hall and Solar
and Buttery wings at the E. and W. ends respectively. Late in the 16th century the Solar
wing was extended to the N., S. and E. At some
subsequent date the Buttery wing was pulled
down and a low storehouse occupies its site. The
Hall is remarkable as still remaining open to the
roof. The upper storey of the Solar wing projects
at the N. and S. ends on curved brackets. Inside
the building, the former Hall is of two bays with a
king-post truss, having a cambered tie-beam with
one curved brace and a stop-chamfered king-post with two-way struts. In the N. wall is an
original window of six lights with diamond-shaped
mullions and a rough transom; it is now blocked.
In the Solar wing the extent of the original building
on towards the S. is indicated by a cross-beam resting
on two shaped wall-posts.

The Barn, N.W. of the house, is weather-boarded
and of five bays with a porch.

Unclassified

c(109). Mound, probably site of windmill, at
Bannister Green, immediately N. of (54). It is
about 100 ft. in diameter at the base and 12 ft.
high.

Condition—Fairly good.

a(110). Embankment, probably dam for mill,
near the railway, and ¾ m. N. of the church. It
is 100 yards long and about 10 ft. high.

Condition—Fairly good.

c(111). Mill Basins, on the right bank of the
River Ter, N.W. of Leighs Priory. A succession
of basins extending about 1½ m. along the right
bank of the river and terminating immediately
N.W. of the house. All except the lowest basin
are now dry.